New York Farm Show Begins at the Fairgrounds

State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine today announced that farmers from across the Northeastern United States and Canada will showcase the latest in agricultural equipment, services, and products beginning today, Feb. 21 through Saturday, Feb. 23 at the New York State Fairgrounds.

More than 400 commercial exhibitors will fill five exhibit buildings at the Fairgrounds for this year’s annual show. Seminars and workshops will include a wide variety of topics, including: increasing beef profits, the future of timber prices, information for landowners on wildlife and hunting leases, and many, many more. Seminars and workshops are free with show admission.

The show will run from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., Feb. 21-23, at the Fairgrounds. Exhibits will be in the Center of Progress Building, the Horticulture Building, the Exhibit Center, the International Building and the Art and Home Center. Tickets are $5 for adults. Admission is free for attendees 18 or younger.

Nearly a quarter of New York State’s land is used for farming, and the state’s 36,600 farms produce more than $4.4 billion in agricultural products each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The state is a national leader in the dairy industry and in the production of apples, grapes, cherries, pears, strawberries, corn, cabbage, onions, snap beans, cucumbers, cauliflower, squash and pumpkins. The value of New York’s maple syrup production is second only to that of Vermont.

The New York State Fair is the oldest state fair in the nation. It was created in 1841 with the goal of promoting agriculture, and the event has stayed true to its roots, even as it has also grown into a major multifaceted exposition center and family fun attraction. With attendance of roughly 1 million visitors annually, it remains one of the largest agricultural Fairs in North America. Apart from the annual New York State Fair, the Fairgrounds host dozens of agricultural events throughout the year, including some of the Northeast’s most prestigious horse and livestock shows.

The Fairgrounds, home of the Great New York State Fair, is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates year round. A year-round schedule of Fairgrounds events is available on the Fair’s website.